Hurricane Sandy: How To Prepare For 'Frankenstorm 2012' If You're In NYC

Hurricane Sandy has been galloping along the east coast of the United States, steadily moving northward. The hurricane is expected to hit major metropolitan areas including Washington D.C. and New York City. The hurricane is expected to cause flooding, and even drop wet globs of snow on Americans. If you're one of millions of Americans that currently lie in the hurricane's projected path - here are some basic preparations you should make.

Hurricane Sandy is expected to be the worst storm in the northeast in the last 100 years, so take preparing for Frankenstorm seriously.

The most obvious preparations should be for food and water. FEMA states that you should be stocked up for at least 72 hours (three days) since local stores, supplies, and rescue teams won't be able to reach out to you immediately. The more the better, but prepare for a three-day survival romp. Also make sure that you can pick up your survival kit and go at a moment's notice. It should not be incredibly bulky, or need time to assemble.

FEMA recommends that you store at least one gallon of water per person for each day. Commercial, bottled water is your best bet, although you can sanitize your own containers and store water in them as well. Store extra water for mothers, children, and the sick. Also bear in mind temperatures, as those living in hotter climates will obviously require more water to keep hydrated.

When picking out food, go for canned, non-perishable goods that will not require refrigeration. You'll want to to stay away from salty snacks, since these will only make people more thirsty and put more strain on your water supplies. Pay special attention to the dietary needs of those around you and choose accordingly. Don't forget a manual can opener and any other utensils you will need.

Once you've knocked those two off your list, you're going to want to start thinking about basic living supplies. Electricity, sanitation, and other municipal services may be knocked out, so keep in mind that you might need to provide all of those for yourselves.

You can be sure that relief teams will be sweeping through the area, but pick up a first-aid kit, and any prescriptions or medications required for yourself and those around you. Basic medications like aspirin and fever-reducing pills should also be a priority.

Pick up a couple flashlights, and a battery-powered or hand crank radio. If you can, grab a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert. Make sure you have all the appropriate batteries and plenty of them.

You'll also want some supplies for sanitation, such as baby wipes, hand sanitizer, and garbage bags.

Since the hurricane could down local utilities, keep a wrench or pliers handy in case you need to shut off the utilities to your home manually to keep gas from leaking or water from flooding.

Since Hurricane Sandy is going to hit major metropolitan areas such as New York, if you live in a high-rise building, do your best to seek shelter in the bottom ten floors.

For communication, keep a whistle on hand, and fully charge your cell phones. Use them sparingly, and only make important phone calls or inquiries.

Other than that, buckle down and stay tuned to local news outlets for any directions about evacuations or shelters. New Jersey is in a state of emergency, and those in New York City's lower boroughs may be asked to evacuate soon. Stay away from windows and any other openings, since Hurricane Sandy will be shooting out gusts of wind upwards of 75 mph for more than 400 miles in any direction.

Check out FEMA's emergency preparedness page for more details.

For real-time updates on Hurricane Sandy's path and to see if your area might be affected, visit the National Hurricane Center.